Mela Mela Innovation Lab
Mela Mela Innovation Lab
Mela Mela Innovation Lab
Together we discover the “how” for better classroom collaboration.
Together we discover the “how” for better classroom collaboration.
Special education classrooms are facing significant challenges, from high turnover rates and shortages to insufficient on-the-job development for new teachers. These issues make effective IEP team collaboration more critical than ever.
At Mela Mela, we believe the best ideas come from collaboration. Teachers—who know their needs best—are at the heart of that process. That’s why we created the Mela Mela Innovation Lab.
Together, through creative problem solving, we aim to co-create solutions with special education professionals that foster collaboration and work seamlessly in classrooms.
Special education classrooms are facing significant challenges, from high turnover rates and shortages to insufficient on-the-job development for new teachers. These issues make effective IEP team collaboration more critical than ever.
At Mela Mela, we believe the best ideas come from collaboration. Teachers—who know their needs best—are at the heart of that process. That’s why we created the Mela Mela Innovation Lab.
Together, through creative problem solving, we aim to co-create solutions with special education professionals that foster collaboration and work seamlessly in classrooms.
Special education classrooms are facing significant challenges, from high turnover rates and shortages to insufficient on-the-job development for new teachers. These issues make effective IEP team collaboration more critical than ever.
At Mela Mela, we believe the best ideas come from collaboration. Teachers—who know their needs best—are at the heart of that process. That’s why we created the Mela Mela Innovation Lab.
Together, through creative problem solving, we aim to co-create solutions with special education professionals that foster collaboration and work seamlessly in classrooms.
Discover. Design. Transform.
Discover. Design. Transform.
The Mela Mela Innovation Lab brings special education teachers, IEP teams, and school districts together with our team of designers, engineers, and experts in operations and special education. Through creative problem-solving workshops, focus groups, in-classroom side-by-sides, and design thinking sessions, these teams collaborate to co-create personalized solutions that enhance classroom collaboration.
Together we discover the “how” for better classroom collaboration.
Are you ready?
If so, its go time.
The Mela Mela Innovation Lab brings special education teachers, IEP teams, and school districts together with our team of designers, engineers, and experts in operations and special education. Through creative problem-solving workshops, focus groups, in-classroom side-by-sides, and design thinking sessions, these teams collaborate to co-create personalized solutions that enhance classroom collaboration.
Together we discover the “how” for better classroom collaboration.
Are you ready?
If so, its go time.
The Mela Mela Innovation Lab brings special education teachers, IEP teams, and school districts together with our team of designers, engineers, and experts in operations and special education. Through creative problem-solving workshops, focus groups, in-classroom side-by-sides, and design thinking sessions, these teams collaborate to co-create personalized solutions that enhance classroom collaboration.
Together we discover the “how” for better classroom collaboration.
Are you ready?
If so, its go time.
Now accepting applications for Winter/Spring 2025 cohort.
Our pilot series provides a unique opportunity for school districts to co-create solutions with our dedicated team of experts. By adopting a design-driven approach, districts can transform their IEP team collaboration processes, addressing challenges related to teacher burnout, administrative overload, and student outcomes.
Our pilot series provides a unique opportunity for school districts to co-create solutions with our dedicated team of experts. By adopting a design-driven approach, districts can transform their IEP team collaboration processes, addressing challenges related to teacher burnout, administrative overload, and student outcomes.
Our pilot series provides a unique opportunity for school districts to co-create solutions with our dedicated team of experts. By adopting a design-driven approach, districts can transform their IEP team collaboration processes, addressing challenges related to teacher burnout, administrative overload, and student outcomes.
BENEFITS
Access to the Mela Mela Workspace App for one full year at no cost
Partnership with a dedicated team of experts
Personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs
Access to the Mela Mela Workspace App for one full year at no cost
Partnership with a dedicated team of experts
Personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs
Access to the Mela Mela Workspace App for one full year at no cost
Partnership with a dedicated team of experts
Personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs
OUR APPROACH
The Mela Mela Innovation Lab pilot consists of three iterative phases over the course of 4-12 weeks designed to enhance IEP team collaboration and streamline instructional processes.
The Mela Mela Innovation Lab pilot consists of three iterative phases over the course of 4-12 weeks designed to enhance IEP team collaboration and streamline instructional processes.
The Mela Mela Innovation Lab pilot consists of three iterative phases over the course of 4-12 weeks designed to enhance IEP team collaboration and streamline instructional processes.
Discovery
In the Discovery Phase, the Mela Mela team will conduct interviews, observations, and document reviews to map out current IEP collaboration processes. This phase focuses on understanding workflows from the perspectives of teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Deliverables will include flowcharts of current processes that highlight pain points and data-driven insights on their impact on instructional efficiency. The duration of this phase will range from 1 to 3 weeks.
Discovery
In the Discovery Phase, the Mela Mela team will conduct interviews, observations, and document reviews to map out current IEP collaboration processes. This phase focuses on understanding workflows from the perspectives of teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Deliverables will include flowcharts of current processes that highlight pain points and data-driven insights on their impact on instructional efficiency. The duration of this phase will range from 1 to 3 weeks.
Discovery
In the Discovery Phase, the Mela Mela team will conduct interviews, observations, and document reviews to map out current IEP collaboration processes. This phase focuses on understanding workflows from the perspectives of teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Deliverables will include flowcharts of current processes that highlight pain points and data-driven insights on their impact on instructional efficiency. The duration of this phase will range from 1 to 3 weeks.
Testing
The Testing Phase involves the implementation of the Mela Mela Workspace App in pilot classrooms. Teachers and paraprofessionals will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure effective usage of the app. The Mela Mela team will conduct in-person sessions to observe classroom dynamics and gather real-time feedback on the app’s effectiveness. This phase will last between 2 to 6 weeks and will yield a fully deployed app and a mid-pilot report detailing initial engagement and user satisfaction.
Testing
The Testing Phase involves the implementation of the Mela Mela Workspace App in pilot classrooms. Teachers and paraprofessionals will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure effective usage of the app. The Mela Mela team will conduct in-person sessions to observe classroom dynamics and gather real-time feedback on the app’s effectiveness. This phase will last between 2 to 6 weeks and will yield a fully deployed app and a mid-pilot report detailing initial engagement and user satisfaction.
Testing
The Testing Phase involves the implementation of the Mela Mela Workspace App in pilot classrooms. Teachers and paraprofessionals will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure effective usage of the app. The Mela Mela team will conduct in-person sessions to observe classroom dynamics and gather real-time feedback on the app’s effectiveness. This phase will last between 2 to 6 weeks and will yield a fully deployed app and a mid-pilot report detailing initial engagement and user satisfaction.
Redesign
During the Redesign Phase, the Mela Mela team will lead a collaborative workshop with pilot participants to evaluate the app’s performance against identified pain points. Participants will brainstorm potential modifications and new features to better meet their needs. This iterative process will result in a reimagined prototype of the Mela Mela Workspace App, reflecting the feedback collected during the pilot. The duration of this phase will range from 1 to 3 weeks, culminating in a comprehensive report summarizing findings and recommendations for future enhancements.
Redesign
During the Redesign Phase, the Mela Mela team will lead a collaborative workshop with pilot participants to evaluate the app’s performance against identified pain points. Participants will brainstorm potential modifications and new features to better meet their needs. This iterative process will result in a reimagined prototype of the Mela Mela Workspace App, reflecting the feedback collected during the pilot. The duration of this phase will range from 1 to 3 weeks, culminating in a comprehensive report summarizing findings and recommendations for future enhancements.
Redesign
During the Redesign Phase, the Mela Mela team will lead a collaborative workshop with pilot participants to evaluate the app’s performance against identified pain points. Participants will brainstorm potential modifications and new features to better meet their needs. This iterative process will result in a reimagined prototype of the Mela Mela Workspace App, reflecting the feedback collected during the pilot. The duration of this phase will range from 1 to 3 weeks, culminating in a comprehensive report summarizing findings and recommendations for future enhancements.
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum of 3 teachers across all phases
Minimum of 1-2 other IEP team members (e.g., paraprofessionals) during the Testing Phase
Consistent use of the Mela Mela Workspace App during the Testing Phase; each participating teacher must use the Mela Mela app to manage the IEP instruction of 3 students across various instructional settings
Minimum of 3 teachers across all phases
Minimum of 1-2 other IEP team members (e.g., paraprofessionals) during the Testing Phase
Consistent use of the Mela Mela Workspace App during the Testing Phase; each participating teacher must use the Mela Mela app to manage the IEP instruction of 3 students across various instructional settings
Minimum of 3 teachers across all phases
Minimum of 1-2 other IEP team members (e.g., paraprofessionals) during the Testing Phase
Consistent use of the Mela Mela Workspace App during the Testing Phase; each participating teacher must use the Mela Mela app to manage the IEP instruction of 3 students across various instructional settings
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mike Gudenau
Mike Gudenau
Mike Gudenau
(Chief Product Officer)
Front-end development and designer with 8 years of special education teaching experience.
Front-end development and designer with 8 years of special education teaching experience.
JP Higgins
JP Higgins
JP Higgins
(Chief Operating Officer)
Former Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, specializing in strategic leadership and operational design.
Former Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, specializing in strategic leadership and operational design.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have more questions before we apply. Who should we contact?
If you would like more information or to discuss potential pilot design before applying, please contact the team at ops@mela-mela.org.
What if my district is not ready to begin in fall 2024?
Apply as soon as you are interested in participating. The Innovation Lab team will review any scheduling constraints noted in your application and will work to accommodate your district’s timeline within our calendar to the best of our ability.
Will the Workspace App require any special technology or infrastructure, and what are the costs after the pilot period ends?
The Workspace App is browser-based and should be accessible via any computer, laptop, or mobile device. Please note that participating districts are responsible for providing access to these devices for their teachers and paraprofessionals. Districts will be able to use the application for free for one calendar year.
How does timing/duration work?
The pilot design is flexible and can be adjusted to fit each district's available commitment. Minimum participation includes 1 week for the Discovery Phase, 2 weeks for the Testing Phase, and 1 week for the Redesign Phase. The pilot requires a minimum total duration of 4 weeks and can extend up to 12 weeks. Pilot outputs may be modified based on the time your district can commit.
How will participating in the pilot impact our teachers' daily workload?
The Innovation Lab team is mindful of the demands on special education teachers. The pilot schedule is designed to be minimally intrusive and customizable for daily instruction needs. Each participant should be able to commit 1 hour during the Discovery Phase for an interview and 30 minutes for the Mela Mela Workspace demo.
Will this pilot disrupt normal classroom activity?
The Innovation Lab team aims to minimize any disruption to daily classroom activities. While occasional classroom observations are valuable, team members work closely with teachers and paraprofessionals to stay non-intrusive during instructional hours.
What steps are involved if we want to continue using the Mela Mela Workspace App after the pilot?
No additional action is required to continue using the Mela Mela Workspace App after the pilot completes. All participating teachers and paraprofessionals will retain their log-in credentials and can access the Mela Mela Workspace for one calendar year from the start of the Testing Phase, including any new features released during that period.
What kind of training will my IEP teams receive on the Mela Mela Workspace App?
Each participant will receive an initial 30-60 minute demonstration of the app. The team will have ongoing access to support during the Testing Phase and can request one-on-one training at any time if additional guidance is needed.
Now accepting applications for Winter/Spring 2025 cohort.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have more questions before we apply. Who should we contact?
If you would like more information or to discuss potential pilot design before applying, please contact the team at ops@mela-mela.org.
How does timing/duration work?
The pilot design is flexible and can be adjusted to fit each district's available commitment. Minimum participation includes 1 week for the Discovery Phase, 2 weeks for the Testing Phase, and 1 week for the Redesign Phase. The pilot requires a minimum total duration of 4 weeks and can extend up to 12 weeks. Pilot outputs may be modified based on the time your district can commit.
Will this pilot disrupt normal classroom activity?
The Innovation Lab team aims to minimize any disruption to daily classroom activities. While occasional classroom observations are valuable, team members work closely with teachers and paraprofessionals to stay non-intrusive during instructional hours.
What if my district is not ready to begin in fall 2024?
Apply as soon as you are interested in participating. The Innovation Lab team will review any scheduling constraints noted in your application and will work to accommodate your district’s timeline within our calendar to the best of our ability.
How will participating in the pilot impact our teachers' daily workload?
The Innovation Lab team is mindful of the demands on special education teachers. The pilot schedule is designed to be minimally intrusive and customizable for daily instruction needs. Each participant should be able to commit 1 hour during the Discovery Phase for an interview and 30 minutes for the Mela Mela Workspace demo.
What steps are involved if we want to continue using the Mela Mela Workspace App after the pilot?
No additional action is required to continue using the Mela Mela Workspace App after the pilot completes. All participating teachers and paraprofessionals will retain their log-in credentials and can access the Mela Mela Workspace for one calendar year from the start of the Testing Phase, including any new features released during that period.
Will the Workspace App require any special technology or infrastructure, and what are the costs after the pilot period ends?
The Workspace App is browser-based and should be accessible via any computer, laptop, or tablet device. Please note that participating districts are responsible for providing access to these devices for their teachers and paraprofessionals. Districts will be able to use the application for free for one calendar year.
What kind of training will my IEP teams receive on the Mela Mela Workspace App?
Each participant will receive an initial 30-60 minute demonstration of the app. The team will have ongoing access to support during the Testing Phase and can request one-on-one training at any time if additional guidance is needed.
Now accepting applications for Winter/Spring 2025 cohort.